The Highlands County School Board voted unanimously on Jan. 7, 2025, to name the Sebring High School media center the Major Thomas B. McGuire Jr. Memorial Library following a presentation from Sebring High students.

Kaylee Bush, president of Young Americans for Freedom at Sebring High School, told the board the initiative had community backing and would honor a local World War II airman whose awards include the Medal of Honor. “This initiative has received support from hundreds of community members,” Bush said, and packet signatures were provided to the board.

The proposal’s backers said Major McGuire, a 1938 graduate of Sebring High School, was one of the top scoring U.S. pilots in the Pacific theater. Kaylee Bush asked the board to approve the name so future students would “understand the legacy of Major McGuire and the sacrifices that he made for our country.” The students gifted copies of several books about McGuire to board members and said the board would be able to connect students with artifacts held at a local visitor center.

Board members responded favorably during discussion. Mr. Martin moved to approve the naming proposal; Dr. Durrance seconded. The board recorded unanimous votes in favor.

Superintendent remarks and student supporters said one of Miley Rivera’s artworks — recognized in a separate agenda item — will be displayed in the State Capitol in Tallahassee from January through March 2025; board members noted the naming would complement local efforts to preserve McGuire’s artifacts and history. A speaker representing the group that recovered McGuire’s crash-site artifacts told the board she may bring additional items and speak to students.

The motion passed with no recorded amendments. The board did not attach conditions or implementation dates in the meeting minutes; the board chair and staff said logistical steps would follow after the vote.

Board members praised the students’ work in drafting the proposal and the Young Americans for Freedom sponsor for facilitating the project. The vote came as part of the regular meeting’s consent and action items and does not itself allocate construction or renovation funds.

The board also received comment from community members and heard routine personnel and procurement items during the same meeting.